The Ardmore Soup Kitchen St. Philip’s started this program in 2007. The program provides hot dinners Monday through Friday to anyone in need of food. It serves approximately 900 meals per month. It has grown to include the involvement of eighteen churches and civic groups providing ten volunteers needed for the daily cooking and serving of meals. Funding comes from private donations. St. Philip’s participates in this ministry by volunteering to help cook, serve and clean every three months.
Grace Rescource Center The Grace Resource Center opened its doors in 2009. It serves as a homeless prevention program within the five surrounding counties of Ardmore. They offer help with utility bills and rental assistance. St. Philip’s assists with these payments through the Priest’s Discretionary Fund.
Sunday Supper St. Philip’s Sunday Suppers provide a community meal once a month on a Sunday at 12 p.m. (noon) in our Parish Hall. Volunteers help with setup, cooking, serving and cleanup. Nearly 100 guests are served a hot meal at this event that is held on the last Sunday of each month.
As I watch the volunteers during Sunday Suppers, I can’t help to notice how organized this ministry has become. Everyone knows exactly what needs to be done, and, with little or no instruction: desserts appear; tables are set; food is cooked and served; guests are greeted; beverages poured; tables are cleaned; and, dishes washed. When it comes to Sunday Suppers we are not “doing” ministry, we “are” ministry. With God working through us, Sunday Supper has become second nature. And while that is a good thing, it can also lead to complacency – by me in particular – to forget to say thank you.
So, Thank You! to the volunteers who make this event happen every month. And thanks be to God for the gift of ministry and resources He provides in each and every one of you. ~ Lee Miller
Food and Resource Center of South Central Oklahoma (FRCSCO). This new organization is a product of other outreach groups, including Loaves and Fishes. FRCSCO offers clients a market type experience to pick and choose the items they need. They are located at 801 Hailey Street in Ardmore. Hours are Mondays 2-6 p.m and Wednesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring a photo id and proof of residence such as a utility bill.
Foster Children’s Gift Program The Foster Children’s Christmas Gift Program works with Children’s Services to learn what the foster children want for Christmas (other than to go home). In mid-November, WishLists are available for parishioners who want to purchase a child’s gift themselves. Monetary donations from those who want to donate but not shop are welcomed. The foster families pick up the gifts from the parish hall the first week in December.
The Family Shelter The Family Shelter of Southern Oklahoma is a certified domestic violence and sexual assault program offering services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking by providing victims and their dependent children with shelter, advocacy, crisis intervention, public education, counseling and a continuum of care for referred clients. The shelter actively provides Carter County and surrounding areas with confidential services.
Mission Leadership Teams Are you called to outreach and the mission of the church? Everyone is invited to explore the possibilities of joining a Mission Leadership Team. Teams include our Parish Prayer Chains, Men’s Group Work Days, and more. Meetings are held the second Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m.
Prayer Teams There are three choices of Prayer Teams to join: Telephone Prayer Chain, Email Prayer Chain, and Prayer Partners. Come to the Mission Leadership Team meeting on the second Monday of the Month at 6:30 p.m. to learn more about this ministry.
Hungry for Change St. Philip’s opens its doors to the Parish Hall every Sunday afternoon from 2-3 p.m. (except on Sunday Supper Sundays) for Hungry for Change to serve a meal for those whomight otherwise have nothing to eat. St. Philip’s is not involved in the meal preparation, but provides a welcoming space, out of the inclement weather, for those to enjoy their lunch.